Which foreigners will receive 800+
The 800+ child-raising benefit (paid by ZUS) is available, among others, to foreigners holding a residence card with the annotation "access to the labour market", if they live in Poland together with their children.
Most often eligible
A residence card with the "access to the labour market" annotation, permanent residence, refugee status, subsidiary protection, consent to stay for humanitarian reasons.
Condition of living together
The child and parent must actually live in Poland. PESEL numbers are also needed.
Who is excluded
Excluded from the 800+ benefit are, among others, foreigners entitled to work in the territory of an EU state for a period of up to 6 months, staying in Poland for the purpose of studies, and persons whose right to work results solely from a visa. In such situations the mere fact of working is not enough.
Family allowance and supplements
The family allowance (paid by the municipality) additionally depends on the income criterion per person in the family — the threshold is set periodically. Supplements may be added to the allowance, e.g. for the birth of a child, single parenting or the start of the school year.
The group of eligible foreigners is narrower than for 800+ and is based, among others, on permanent residence, EU long-term resident status or temporary residence granted on specific grounds, as well as on the rules on the coordination of social security.
Parental benefit and the maintenance fund
Parental benefit
It may matter when there is no right to maternity allowance from insurance. It is granted for a set time after the birth of a child.
Maintenance fund
Requires an appropriate residence title and meeting the income criterion; not every foreigner will be eligible.
How and where to file the application
The 800+ application is filed electronically (e.g. via PUE ZUS / the ZUS mobile app or electronic banking). Family benefits from the municipality — via the Emp@tia portal or at the office. Prepare: a residence document with the annotation, the PESEL numbers of the child and parent, and payment details.
Check your right to 800+ and family benefits
Give the type of residence card and the annotation — we will assess whether you meet the conditions and help you file the application without errors.
Questions and answers
Will I get 800+ if I have temporary residence and work?
Will a student from abroad get 800+?
Who pays 800+?
Does the family allowance depend on income?
Legal basis and sources
Legal acts (as of July 2026)
- Act of 11 February 2016 on state aid in raising children (the 800+ benefit).
- Act of 28 November 2003 on family benefits.
- Rules on the coordination of social security systems (EU).
- Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners.